St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship 2026 in Germany & UK (Fully Funded)

Applications are now open for the prestigious St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship 2026 in Population, Health, and Data Science. This fully funded international doctoral programme is jointly offered by the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom and the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Germany.

The highly competitive 3.5-year PhD studentship is designed for exceptional students interested in population health, quantitative research, social inequalities, demographic studies, and advanced data science methodologies.

Selected candidates will have the unique opportunity to conduct research in both Germany and the UK while working alongside internationally recognized experts in population health, epidemiology, demography, and statistical modelling.

Programme Overview

About the Research Project

The doctoral project focuses on understanding the social and environmental determinants of health and socio-economic outcomes during adolescence and emerging adulthood.

The research follows a life-course approach to examine how adverse socio-economic conditions, environmental exposures, and structural inequalities influence long-term outcomes.

Research topics include:

• Population health
• Social inequalities
• Education outcomes
• Housing conditions
• Socio-economic mobility
• Family formation
• Regional inequalities
• Environmental exposures
• Public health research

The selected candidate will apply:

• Advanced quantitative methods
• Statistical modelling
• Longitudinal analysis
• Demographic techniques
• Population data analysis

This makes the programme ideal for candidates interested in data-driven public health and demographic research.

International Research Experience

Germany Phase

For the first 21 months, the selected PhD student will study at the:

• Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR), Rostock, Germany

The candidate will also enroll in:

• International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science (IMPRS-PHDS)

During this phase, students will receive advanced research training and collaborate with leading demographic researchers.

United Kingdom Phase

After completing the Germany phase, the student will continue the remaining PhD period at:

• University of St Andrews, United Kingdom

The candidate will join the:

• Population and Health Research Group within the School of Geography and Sustainable Development

Financial Benefits

The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship provides comprehensive financial support throughout the programme.

Germany Funding (MPIDR)

Selected students will receive:

• Gross annual salary of approximately €40,000
• Annual bonus payments
• Research training support
• Travel funding
• Data acquisition support

UK Funding (University of St Andrews)

Students will also receive:

• Annual maintenance stipend of £19,775
• Full tuition fee waiver
• Research Training Support Grant of £750 per year

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

• Hold an excellent Master’s degree
• Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Show interest in population health and inequalities research
• Be passionate about data science and demographic research

Relevant academic backgrounds include:

• Statistics
• Applied Mathematics
• Sociology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Economics
• Geography
• Population Studies
• Demography
• Data Science
• Social Sciences

Required Documents

Applicants may need the following documents:

• Academic transcripts
• Master’s degree certificate
• Personal statement
• Research interests statement
• Academic writing sample
• CV/Resume
• Supporting academic documents

Applicants are required to apply to the:

• PhD Geography (Science) programme at the University of St Andrews

Why You Should Apply

This studentship offers an exceptional opportunity for students seeking international academic exposure and advanced research training in public health, demography, and quantitative data science.

Participants will benefit from:

• Fully funded international PhD training
• Research experience in Germany and the UK
• Collaboration with globally recognized experts
• Access to advanced demographic research institutions
• Professional development opportunities
• Interdisciplinary research environment

The programme is ideal for students aiming for careers in:

• Academia
• Global health
• Public policy
• Population research
• International organizations
• Data science research

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship 2026 is:

• June 8, 2026

Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed during the second half of June 2026.

How to Apply?

To apply for the studentship:

1. Apply to the PhD Geography (Science) programme
2. Prepare all required documents
3. Submit a strong personal statement
4. Upload an academic writing sample
5. Submit the application before the deadline

Final Words

The St Andrews–Max Planck PhD Studentship 2026 is an outstanding fully funded doctoral opportunity for students passionate about population health, demographic research, social inequalities, and data science.

With international research exposure in Germany and the United Kingdom, generous funding, advanced research training, and collaboration with globally recognized institutions, this programme offers an excellent pathway for future academic and professional success.

Interested applicants are highly encouraged to prepare strong research-focused applications and apply before the deadline.